Once again we approach a Christmas. We are just over a week away and most people are starting to get a bit mellow. Perhaps a Christmas party or two to attend with work and gatherings with friends and family. On the other hand we have those for whom Christmas is an occasion of real stress and in some cases sadness.

People who are out of work and can’t afford to give the family a Christmas they imagine is wanted. People who live alone and see so many others coming together with family and friends. People who are dispossessed altogether and have become homeless. That of course is only the tip of the iceberg since there are refugees the world over bombed or brutalised out of their homes. There are prisoners of conscience being held and tortured by those regimes to whom the idea of a free society is anathema. There are even free societies who are not free because the mega rich control the Governments. This is the time of year when suicides are at their highest.

I would ask that each of us keep an eye open for anyone who doesn’t seem to be full of the joys of the season or who looks worried. Sometimes an ear to listen to problems is enough. Other times you may find that help is needed and you may or may not be able to provide it. But perhaps you can point someone in the right direction especially if you’re worried about them. If they’re desperate then perhaps The Samaritans.

There are troubles all over the world. Dictators are doing ill to their people in order to get rid of the opposition. Wars are being fought and the displaced are having to leave their homes, sometimes their family in order to reach safety which may not be in the same country. Those refugees are suffering enough hate from those fighting in their countries without having our hate too just because they need to reach a place of safety within our borders. But there may be terrorists hiding amongst them some cry. It’s true, there may but in the name of humanity we must take those suffering people and take a chance on who there is. We suffer the home grown terrorists more than those who pretend to come as friends.

Finally ( I know you’re glad) there have been some devastating storms this year. People in some of the Island Groups have suffered beyond belief and are still suffering because there is no longer a basic infrastructure to rely on. They need help. My good friend Jill Dennison of Filosofa’s Word https://jilldennison.com/2017/12/14/good-people-doing-good-things-three-amazing-kids/ is more eloquent than I on the subject: In September, Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico with a vengeance, doing far greater damage than any of the other devastating hurricanes this year. More than 60% of Puerto Ricans remain without electricity or running water. This will be a bleak Christmas for the residents of Puerto Rico, and especially for the children. I ask that you remember them, for they have been largely forgotten by their own government. And if you can find it in your heart, if you can find a few spare dollars in your wallet, please do what you can to help make Christmas just a little bit brighter for these children.

Have a Happy Christmas. Share and spare as many smiles and hugs as you can. There’s always someone in need. Spare some change which might make the difference between going to bed hungry or being fed for a homeless person. Spare a little more if you can maybe even pay for a meal in a cafe to be given free to someone in need. Pay it forward. But most of all be tolerant and kind all the time not just at Christmas and we can unite the world and rid ourselves of war.

If they can stop fighting and become friends it shows they would prefer peace to war. It’s not the common man that carries on the wars. We can stop the warmongers if we don’t give them the option.

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About davidprosser

Retired Local Government Officer who started to write at age 60 and hasn't looked back. Writes a humorous diary on the life of a member of the gentry.......and the village he lives in with his sadistic early morning alarm cat Oscar and his wife the formidable Lady J.

9 Responses to The Christmas Approach.

Reading your generous words always fills my heart with joy, David. I am grateful for being in a good place with my family this year but well aware that not everyone is. You are right to raise it to our attention. Holiday hugs! xo

Very well said, my friend … a little kindness goes a long way in this world. And thank you for sharing my thoughts, also. Perhaps between us we make a small difference, yes? Much love and many hugs to you!